The palgrave international handbook of a 28

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J. Yeates and D. Bowles

available and their interpretation in the relevant country. Some of the
activities described here might, therefore, be considered legal (or at least
unclear) in some countries.

Nature of the Abuse and Harm
This section looks at the key harms to animals involved in the puppy trade. It
focuses on harmful breeding practices that impact on animals used as mates
and their offspring, and how other processes within the trade may engender
further harms, specifically intra- and inter-national transportation and sales.
These harms, while clearly directly impacting on the animals involved, also
result in secondary harm to the purchasers. This can include, for example,
behavioural or health problems for the dogs that may mean owners spend
considerable sums on remedial treatment or suffer significant disruption or
potential personal risks (for example, from canine human-related aggression
or some transferable diseases).

Breeding
The first key stage in the trade is the production of the product—that is,
puppies. This involves both the breeding animals and their progeny. Deliberate
breeding involves breeders selecting the mates from whom to breed, and who
are under the breeders’ management before, during and after the reproduction.

Care of Mates
The care of the breeding male and female can be problematic. These animals
need care as other animals do, including a suitable diet, exercise and social
interactions. These may not be provided by the breeders. For example, if a
small number of staff are responsible for the care of a large number of bitches

and their progeny, they will not have time to provide the required care. This,
in turn, may affect how those dogs react (that is negatively) to humans (in
front of the puppies).
Pregnancy and lactation place significant biological demands on the
mother. They need to be fit and old enough to cope with the strain (and
some breeds take several years to reach maturity). During pregnancy, good
care—particularly good nutrition, hygiene and veterinary care—is imperative.